The Dominican Republic delivers more talent to the majors than any other country besides the United States. Kids here are four times more likely than their American counterparts to reach the major leagues.

Having already addressed a couple of major needs over the weekend with trades for Antoine Vermette and Kimmo Timonen Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman added a little grit before the deadline passed.

In 2010-11, not only did Derrick Rose become the youngest most valuable player in NBA history and the Bulls advance to the Eastern Conference finals, but five players appeared in all 82 games and three others played in at least 80.

Cubs

Perhaps it's in the nature of Cubs fans to cling to any omen -- good or ominous. So it's understandable that with the signing of free-agent ace Jon Lester, some foresee the kind of Hollywood ending that has been scripted many times over.

GLENDALE, Ariz. — White Sox players remembered Minnie Minoso on Sunday as a smiling, laughing presence who frequently would stop by their lockers at U.S. Cellular Field to provide advice and encouragement.

Soccer

Representatives of Major League Soccer and its players union are meeting with a federal mediator this week in a last-ditch effort to complete a new collective bargaining agreement before the 2015 MLS season opens Friday.